Mennello Museum of American Art Receives its Largest Gift Ever

On May 1, 2018, the Mennello Museum of American Art will receive its largest gift ever from founder Michael A. Mennello, Winter Park collector, businessman, and philanthropist. The gift, comprised of 14 paintings, 5 sculptures, and a permanent loan of 20 American Impressionist paintings is valued at $8,750,000.

In honor of his late wife, Marilyn, Michael A. Mennello has promised the extraordinary gifts of art from his private collection to the museum; they include works associated with the Ashcan School of art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Arts Students League, New York.

With this gift, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced his support for an extended term agreement with the museum from 30 consecutive years to 60 (from 2028 to 2058) and will support plans with a commitment to allow for museum expansion on adjacent city-owned land that would allow the current museum size to quadruple. In response and to provide sustained support in the expanded museum, Mennello has established the Michael A. and The Honorable Marilyn Logsdon Mennello Foundation where, posthumously, the Foundation will contribute 70% of its annual distributions to the museum, in addition to a planned gift of $1,000,000 to advance museum programming. Says Mennello, “This is my dream come true, one 20 years in the making… With the blessing of our Mayor Buddy Dyer, we now have reached a new level of culture that will be appreciated and enhanced by all.”